famously styles herself – a choice that’s become increasingly apparent this week. For her , the actor tapped into every botanical motif available, channelling her character, florist Lily Bloom, with a series of fluttering , bedazzled fungi accessories, and flamboyant jewellery. Lively’s art, it seemed, imitated Bloom’s life, and was equally as hectic.
The flood of s began back in June, when Lively stepped out in a pair of . This weekend, however, the and a flurry of interviews sent the star (and her wardrobe) into overdrive, pushing her ensembles further into the botanical labyrinth. First came a beaded 'Under the Sea' dress from Dauphinette, accessorised with sparkling red slippers and the aforementioned mushroom bag.
A tiered pastel feather dress and a boxy black leather set painted with flowers, also from Dauphinette, followed. Lively continued transitioning quickly between looks, moving on to a red-and-yellow Versace set embroidered with ladybugs, then a neon pink dress accented with a matching floral jacket. She went casual too, styling a diamond Versace crop top with a pair of pink Versace boxers peeking out of jeans.
Next came a metallic Tory Burch bodysuit and Stella McCartney leather chap jeans (with floral details, naturally). Later, the actor attempted to redeem her styling with an archival . Lively’s method dressing calls back to sartorially successful press tours, including (styled by Law Roach) and Margot Robbie’s famed looks (styled by Andrew Mukamal).
But unlike those campaigns, Lively’s floral fashion isn’t cohesive – in fact, the only common denominator between the looks is the florals. Naturally, the internet spoke up. 'All of these looks are not working for her.
Is there a number we can call to find a substitute stylist?' one Instagram commenter mused. 'Choices were made and not necessarily good choices,' added another. Across social media platforms, online critics seemed to pop up faster than Lively changed outfits.
Her fashion choices are not a matter of opinion, however – she’s just doing whatever she wants. No matter which look the internet is debating, whether it’s to their taste or not, Lively has chosen to buck red carpet tradition and go her own way, and that’s something to celebrate. Thanks to her VIP status and accompanying wealth, the has all the access (if not more) than a stylist would.
In 2018, she revealed to that she has an assistant who helps her scout and source pieces, as well as valuable relationships with designers. As to why she chose to style herself, Lively told the publication she had 'control issues and a big ego,' citing how she enjoys the creative process of styling. 'It’s the same reason why I like doing my friends’ hair and makeup or cooking – you get to be creative and finish it,' she added.
Lively knows what she wants, and her recent looks are proof. They do away with the politics of styling, instead focusing on her love of fashion. Yes, she’s leaning hard into the floral theme of this press tour, but unlike other celebrities, she’s single-handedly picked out and styled each piece and done so using a diverse range of brands.
The actor has done her research, and for smaller designers like Dauphinette and Tamara Ralph, her co-sign can make a world of difference. She isn’t just getting dressed – she’s dictating her image. The unequivocal fact of the matter is that Lively is leaving her mark on the modern celebrity-style landscape, and maybe even inspiring some of her peers.
Four days after she stepped out in a white floral dress accessorised with wooden bangles and crystal chandelier earrings, Lively’s co-star Isabela Ferrer donned an oddly similar outfit from Oscar de la Renta – one of Lively’s go-to designers – and paired the look with, what else, wooden bangles and crystal chandelier earrings. The following night, the duo coordinated in pink dresses, and Ferrer was spotted wearing the same earrings seen on Lively in the aforementioned look. Either Ferrer is heavily inspired by Lively, or Lively has taken on a new styling client.
Fashion is meant for fun, and judging by Lively’s ever-present grin, she’s enjoying playing dress up. It might be worth accepting that maybe, in the grand scheme of the good versus bad taste dialogue, that’s really what matters. ELLE Collective is a new community of fashion, beauty and culture lovers.
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